Home Decor: Decorating with our fine feathered friends

You have probably noticed all the birds that can be found in decorating over the last several months.  These little feathered creatures are popping up on fabrics, accessories and artwork and it looks like this trend is here to stay.

Fabrics

There are literally dozens of fabrics available that depict birds of some sort.  You can choose high end manufacturers and pay several hundred dollars a yard for hand embroidered and hand loomed fabrics; you can choose low end and affordable cotton fabrics with a stamped design or the best buy of all, quality fabric that will withstand the test of time when it comes to fading, shrinking and durability.   The fabrics can be whimsical and fun or rich and traditional in design.  Use these fabrics to fashion accent pillows, chair cushions and drapery panels or go all out and upholster an entire chair.

Accessories

Birds of all species can be found on dinnerware, vases, artwork, lamp bases and candles.   A pair of beautiful pillows placed on your sofa can be enough to update your room with this idea.  Placing a candle in the powder room is a sweet way to introduce these little guys to your decor.  A beautifully embellished pillow like the one pictured will add sparkle and personality to a side chair.  A collection of beautifully framed bird prints hung in the entry of your home is a nice way to greet your guests.

As with any trend, don’t overdo it.  Choose your fabrics and accessories wisely and you can enjoy the sweet touch of a bird without the mess that goes along with the real thing.

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Home Decor: Inviting Nature into your Home

With the arrival of warm weather it is now possible for us to open our doors and windows and enjoy the beauty of nature—warm air, the smell of freshly mowed grass, the sound of the birds and the bounty of colors in the garden.  These same sights and sounds can be brought indoors through the use of a few decorating tricks.

• Birds are a big trend this spring and summer and can be found on pillows and in artwork and other home accessories.  Switch out your heavy landscapes for a couple of bird prints or add some curtain panels using some of the lovely fabrics featuring these feathered friends.
• Bring the outdoors in by using a few simple cuttings from your yard.  These could be ferns, twigs, leaves and stems from bushes, anything green will add a touch of life to your home. Place them in simple mason jars or group them together in a beautiful vase for an easy and long lasting centerpiece.
• Faux bois (means fake wood in french) furniture pieces are available in small chairs, tables and benches and can be a fun addition to a breakfast room or seating area.  Replace that dark wood end table with a light and airy faux bois table to add interest and texture to a space.
• Something as simple as a bowl full of seashells or a large piece of coral placed on top of a stack of books will add to the natural look you are seeking.  There are fabrics available that feature all of these items and can be used to fashion fun throw pillows, summer curtains or simple chair pads.
• Whimsical items like fish and bugs add a fun touch to any room.

Mother nature is the best designer there is so take a look outside and bring those colors and textures indoors.

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